Job Title: Grinder Operator

Location: Onsite Project Location (Project location will be determined upon hiring)

Reports to: Field Supervisor / Project Manager

Compensation Range: $19-$28 hourly (depending on location, experience, skills, and qualifications)

Benefits: Comprehensive package including medical, 401(k) with company match, paid time off, and travel opportunities

About Ceres Environmental Operations (CEO)

Ceres Environmental Operations (CEO) is a leader in crisis management, rapid response, and disaster recovery, committed to rebuilding stronger, safer communities. We specialize in emergency response, environmental services, planning, and consulting, including debris removal, blue roofs, logistics, debris management, demolition, recycling, forest management, and coastal and marine restoration. As a licensed general contractor, we offer unparalleled expertise to restore stability where it is needed most.

Driven by Purpose, Powered by People

At CEO, we believe you are more than just an employee. You are part of a team with a purpose and a meaningful mission. Every team member plays a vital role in restoring hope and helping communities recover and rebuild.

We value initiative, respect diversity, and give our people the freedom to lead. We offer competitive pay, travel opportunities, and a culture built on resilience and teamwork. If you show up with compassion, share the commitment, react with urgency, and deliver solutions, you will fit right in. We do not just respond to challenges. We rise to them.

Job Summary:

The Grinder Operator operates a mobile “tub grinder” machine, which parks at a Debris Reduction Site to grind piles of vegetative storm debris into wood chips and biomass fuel use-able in a number of commercial products. The chipper machine grinds the woody material and then dumps the ground-up wood into a waiting truck or pile.

The chipper operator runs a large portable machine, which is equipped to grind whole trees, limbs, chunks and woody debris (“slash”), thereby turning the wood into chips or “mulch”. The chipper machine can process smaller whole trees or branches in a single motion.

Chippers can be equipped with additional features/attachments, such as a loading boom & grapple, debarker, chip screens, or chip conveyor.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• The operator safely controls the machine using buttons, pedals and levers to skillfully grind waste wood into usable wood chip products.
• Operator often works independently, following detailed work plans and specifications.
• Follow safe practices and rules while clearing and trimming trees and brush away from utility lines.
• He or she will likely communicate safe machine and log movement activities using a radio.
• Operator may be responsible for machine basic service, refueling, diagnostics and minor repairs.
• Requires special safety gear, climbing off & onto the chipper, and some walking on uneven terrain.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• 1+ years of work experience as a log loader operator or operator of other forestry equipment; OR 1+ years of previous experience operating farm machinery or similar heavy equipment.
• Must be able to read and comprehend verbal and written instructions.
• Must have a valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 5+ years of related experience.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Must have experience with Doppstadt, Vermeer, and Diamond Z grinders
• Must be able to maintain the above listed grinders

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

May vary from site to site and in some cases be greater or lesser than indicated here.

Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; outside weather conditions and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places. The noise level in the work environment is usually very loud.

Ceres Environmental is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, disability status, or protected veteran status.

E-Verify: We comply with Federal law by verifying employment eligibility.